Lawyers in Nairobi have taken to the streets to protest the alleged abduction and disappearance of their colleague, Advocate Abshir Ahmedsadak Abdi, in an incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of legal practitioners, human rights and the rule of law in Kenya.

The demonstration, organised by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), brought together advocates, human rights defenders and other concerned Kenyans who are demanding that security agencies explain what happened to Abdi and establish his whereabouts.

The lawyers, led by Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, assembled outside Milimani Law Courts before marching along Kenyatta Avenue towards Vigilance House, which houses the National Police Service headquarters.

Their main demand was for the immediate and safe return of their colleague, who reportedly disappeared on November 1, 2026, after armed men allegedly pursued and forcibly bundled him into a waiting vehicle.1. Lawyers take to the streets demanding answers

The Nairobi demonstration began at Milimani Law Courts, where advocates gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the handling of Abdi's disappearance.

Led by LSK President Charles Kanjama, the lawyers marched towards Vigilance House, demanding an explanation from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other security officials.

The demonstrators carried their message against abductions, harassment of advocates and impunity. They also called for the relevant government institutions to take immediate action to establish Abdi's whereabouts.

Kanjama expressed anger and frustration over the disappearance, saying the legal profession would not remain silent while one of its members remained unaccounted for.He emphasised that lawyers were determined to continue engaging the relevant authorities until their colleague was safely returned.

The LSK president also insisted that the disappearance should not be treated as an ordinary incident because it raises serious questions about the protection of advocates and the independence of the justice system.

The lawyers intended to present a memorandum to the Inspector General of Police, seeking official answers and demanding action over the matter.

The demonstration was peaceful and was intended to increase public pressure on security agencies to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have become a major concern following the circulation of CCTV footage that reportedly captured armed men pursuing him.

The footage allegedly shows several individuals chasing Abdi before catching up with him and forcing him into a waiting vehicle.

The men are reported to have been armed, while some appeared to be wearing clothing resembling police uniforms and bulletproof vests.

The incident has raised questions about the identity of the individuals involved, the vehicles used and whether any security officers participated in the operation.His brother, Zakaria Abshir, joined lawyers during the Friday demonstration to express the family's frustration and call for his brother's safe return.

He questioned why the authorities had not established Abdi's whereabouts despite the existence of CCTV footage and other information surrounding the incident.

Zakaria maintained that his brother should not simply disappear without the government providing an explanation.

He also questioned why allegations against his brother were being discussed while his family continued searching for him.

The family insisted that if Abdi was suspected of committing any offence, the proper procedure was to arrest him, present him before a court and allow the law to take its course.

They argued that no individual should be subjected to abduction or unlawful detention, regardless of their professional position or the allegations facing them.LSK President Charles Kanjama called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

The society has also insisted that anybody found responsible should face the law, regardless of their position or influence.

The organisation's concern goes beyond the disappearance of one advocate. It is also about whether lawyers can safely represent clients, present evidence, question witnesses and participate in court proceedings without being threatened.

If advocates are intimidated because of the cases they handle, public confidence in the justice system could be seriously undermined.

The LSK has therefore called for the protection of legal practitioners and respect for the independence of the legal profession. During the protest, the lawyers called for investigations that would establish the identities of the people involved in Abdi's disappearance.

They want investigators to examine CCTV footage, interview witnesses, trace the vehicles reportedly involved and establish whether the individuals responsible were connected to any security agency.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has reportedly constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

The investigative team is expected to establish what happened, identify those involved and examine the events leading to the incident.

The Law Society of Kenya has also called upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate allegations that individuals posing as police officers may have been involved.The question of whether serving police officers or other State agents participated in or facilitated the incident is particularly important.

However, allegations of police involvement must be independently investigated and should not be treated as established facts before the investigations are completed.

The lawyers want the investigation to be transparent, impartial and conducted without interference.

They also want the authorities to provide regular updates to the family and the public.

Their position is that establishing the truth is necessary not only for Abdi and his family but also for the credibility of law enforcement institutions.The disappearance has attracted reactions from senior members of the legal profession, including Senior Counsel Nelson Havi.

Havi previously called upon LSK President Charles Kanjama to mobilise lawyers and organise demonstrations at Vigilance House to demand answers from the police.

He argued that the legal profession must stand together whenever an advocate is allegedly targeted or intimidated because of professional responsibilities.

Havi warned that interference with the work of advocates threatens the administration of justice and the independence of the legal profession.

He also referred to the killing of lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, which had raised wider concerns about the safety of legal practitioners.His position was that lawyers should not remain silent when their colleagues face threats or disappear under circumstances that raise questions about the involvement of security agencies.

The call for demonstrations eventually became a reality on November 6, when lawyers marched through Nairobi demanding accountability over Abdi's disappearance.

Havi's intervention demonstrated the growing determination among advocates to defend their profession and demand respect for the Constitution. The East Africa Law Society has also expressed concern over the disappearance, warning that targeting lawyers threatens the administration of justice and the rule of law across the region.

Its president, Ramadhan Abubakar, condemned the incident and called for Abdi's immediate and safe return.

He expressed concern that lawyers and members of the media could face harassment while performing their professional duties.

The society maintained that any allegations against Abdi should be handled through the courts rather than through unlawful detention or abduction.

Its involvement demonstrates that the matter has attracted attention beyond Nairobi and Kenya's legal institutions.

The safety of advocates is important because they play a critical role in ensuring that citizens can access justice, defend their rights and challenge unlawful actions.Every Kenyan has a right to personal security, liberty and protection from unlawful detention.

Second, the incident raises questions about the safety of advocates who represent clients in criminal cases and other sensitive legal matters.

Lawyers must be able to carry out their duties without fear that their professional activities could expose them to threats or violence.

Third, the demonstration highlights the importance of accountability within security institutions.

The police and other government agencies have a responsibility to protect citizens and investigate crimes. Where allegations of misconduct arise, they must be investigated independently.The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is expected to continue examining the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

The authorities will also be under pressure to comply with the court's directions and explain what they know about Abdi's whereabouts.

The family is continuing to seek answers, while the Law Society of Kenya has promised to pursue available legal and constitutional avenues.

The expected November 10, 2026, court ruling will be another important development in the family's efforts to establish what happened.

The investigation must establish the identities of the individuals captured in the CCTV footage, determine whether the vehicles involved can be traced and establish whether any public officers participated in the incident.